UEFA Champions League Preview: Arsenal vs Monaco – Wednesday, December 11, 2024

A Champions League clash steeped in history and intrigue takes center stage on Wednesday night as Arsenal welcomes Ligue 1 side Monaco to the Emirates Stadium. Forever linked by legendary names such as Arsène Wenger and Thierry Henry, these two clubs face off in a pivotal league-phase encounter that could shape their European destinies.

Arsenal and Monaco are separated by just one place in the 36-team Champions League table, each holding one of the final automatic qualification spots for the last-16 stage (before the beginning of this round and the matches on Tuesday night). Both teams sit on 10 points after five matches (3-1-1 record), with goal difference narrowly favoring the Gunners (+6 to Monaco’s +5).

Arsenal Betting Preview (-357 at EveryGame)

Having experienced a disappointing draw in Sunday’s London Derby against Fulham, Mikel Arteta’s side will feel confident in getting a fourth Champions League victory under their belt this term.

Despite last weekend’s setback, Arsenal comes into this game brimming with confidence after dismantling Sporting Lisbon 5-1 in their last European outing. The Gunners showcased their attacking prowess in that game, capitalizing on Sporting CP’s vulnerabilities just after Ruben Amorim’s departure.

Speaking about Ruben Amorim himself, Mikel Arteta’s men had an opportunity to face the young Portuguese manager and his new club Manchester United, when Arsenal claimed a 2-0 home victory over the Red Devils last week. 

At the Emirates, The Gunners have been powerful, winning their two home Champions League matches this season, including victories over Shakhtar Donetsk and Paris Saint-Germain. Arteta’s men have found the net in their last 11 Champions League home games and have kept clean sheets in six of their last seven such matches in North London.

However, the Gunners were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw against Fulham in the Premier League last weekend. Defensive rotations and injuries have disrupted Arsenal’s rhythm, leaving them with ground to make up on runaway leaders Liverpool.

Arsenal continues to grapple with defensive injuries. Oleksandr Zinchenko, Gabriel Magalhaes, and Riccardo Calafiori are all doubts for Wednesday, while Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu are confirmed long-term absentees. Arteta may turn to Kieran Tierney at left-back, allowing Jurrien Timber to operate in his preferred role on the right. 

Elsewhere, Thomas Partey’s role remains uncertain, as the Ghanaian could either slot into central midfield or be rested.

Monaco Betting Preview (+900 at EveryGame)

The Monegasques head to London fully refreshed and raring to go, as they did get back on track with a 2-0 home win over Toulouse in Ligue 1 on Saturday afternoon. 

Their European campaign has been a mixed bag, though. A 3-2 loss to Benfica on matchday five saw them surrender leads twice, with Zeki Amdouni’s late strike punishing a 10-man Monaco side after Wilfried Singo’s dismissal. 

Domestically, Adi Hutter’s men are thriving, securing a victory over Toulouse at the weekend to stay within touching distance of Ligue 1 leaders PSG and level on 29 points with Olympique Marseille in second.

However, Monaco’s Champions League away form remains a concern—they have not won consecutive games on the road in this competition proper since the 2014-15 season, when they famously eliminated Arsenal on away goals after a 3-1 victory at the Emirates with goals from Geoffrey Kondogbia, Yannick Ferreira-Carasco and Dimitar Berbatov.

Adi Hutter faces his own defensive crisis, with Wilfried Singo suspended and Christian Mawissa banned for accumulation of yellow cards. Mohammed Salisu is likely to partner Thilo Kehrer in central defense – a former Premier League duo. 

Further up the pitch, Monaco is without Krépin Diatta, Edan Diop, and former Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun, though 19-year-old sensation Eliesse Ben Seghir could make a significant impact.

Meanwhile, Breel Embolo scored his first goal since late October after he was introduced as a second-half substitute against Toulouse. The Swiss forward is expected to lead the line against Arsenal. 

Another Switzerland international – Denis Zakaria – looks likely to start alongside Lamine Camara in a midfield pivot, with ex-Liverpool man Takumi Minamino once again in the advanced attacking midfield role.

Possible Starting Lineups of Arsenal and Monaco 

Arsenal: David Raya – Jurrien Timber, William Saliba, Jakub Kiwior, Kieran Tierney – Martin Odegaard, Declan Rice, Mikel Merino – Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli. (4-3-3) 

Monaco: Radosław Majecki – Vanderson, Mohammed Salisu, Thilo Kehrer, Caio Henrique – Denis Zakaria, Lamine Camara – Maghnes Akliouche, Takumi Minamino, Eliesse Ben Seghir – Breel Embolo. (4-2-3-1) 

Spooky Express Betting Prediction 

The bookmakers heavily favor Arsenal for this matchup. Mikel Arteta’s side is priced at -357 on EveryGame, while Monaco sits at +900, with the odds of a draw at +475. The Gunners’ strong home form and Monaco’s struggles on the road clearly make Arsenal the favorite.

Furthermore, Arsenal’s high-tempo play, particularly down the flanks with Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli, could expose Monaco’s weakened backline. Meanwhile, Monaco’s counter attacking threat, spearheaded by Breel Embolo and the emerging talent of Eliesse Ben Seghir, ensures that the visitors will not go down without a fight.

Considering Arsenal’s firepower and Monaco’s defensive issues, a victory for the Gunners seems like a highly likely outcome, boosting their chances of sealing a spot in the knockout rounds. Nevertheless, expect a high-energy game with plenty of attacking flair from both sides.

Spooky Express Free Play: Outcome And Both To Score – Arsenal and Yes +185 at EveryGame for 4/10 Units